Bidspirit auction | Raimundo de Madrazo, 'The Letter'

Raimundo de Madrazo, 'The Letter' Signed Oil Painting - No Reserve - Keywords: Spanish Artist, Spanish School, The Reluctant Mistress, Portrait, Society Portrait, Figural, Paris, Belle Époque, Gilded Age, Academic Art, European Art, Interior Scene, Oil Painting, 19th Century Summary: Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta (Spanish, 1841–1920), “The Letter.” Signed but barely legible. Oil painting on panel depicting an elegantly dressed young woman seated in a refined interior, wearing a flowing pink and white gown and holding a letter in her hand. Additional correspondence rests on the floor, while a writing table, furnishings and a floral arrangement complete the intimate interior scene. Illegibly signed Lower left Raimundo Madrazo was celebrated during his lifetime for his elegant portraits and depictions of sophisticated society. He was among the most respected and important Spanish painters living in Paris during the Belle Époque and received numerous awards while attracting the attention of prominent collectors outside France, particularly in New York and London. Representative examples of Madrazo’s work can still be found in the storied mansions associated with prominent American families of the Gilded Age, including Marble House and The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. The Vanderbilt family was among Madrazo’s most notable American patrons, and portraits associated with the great society of the period remain on display at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. This is a NO RESERVE lot. There are no hidden or confidential reserves. All acceptable bidding begins at the published online START PRICE. Measurement: 16 x 12 in. (40.6 x 30.5 cm.), Frame: 26 1/2 x 22 1/2 in. (67.3 x 57.2 cm.) approx Condition: Bidders are encouraged to carefully review all photographs and, when possible, examine items in person prior to bidding. Photographs form an integral part of each lot’s description. The absence of a condition report, notation, or reference to damage does not imply that an item is free from defects, restoration, wear, or other condition issues. All items are sold as is, where is, and may show signs of age, use, wear, repair, or prior restoration. By placing a bid, bidders acknowledge and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale. All descriptions, catalog statements, condition reports, reflect an opinion based on the information provided to us at the time of cataloging. Any certificates of authenticity, if provided by consignor, will be noted in the catalog. Clocks and watches are not warranted or represented to keep accurate time. We strongly recommend that all vintage lighting be examined or rewired prior to use. Auction Galleries reselling works do not issue Certificates of Authenticity. COA’s should best be sought from the original artist or their foundations, which often refrain from giving written authentication opinions. Accordingly, works are sold as ATTRIBUTED to the artist or maker named in the description. These attributions reflect an OPINION and are intended to provide collectors, researchers, and institutions the opportunity to study and further contextualize the material offered or establish a work’s art-historical significance.